Two Cornish companies have been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in the sustainable development category.
Ward Williams Associates (WWA) is one of the UK’s largest regional property and construction consultancies. Over the past five years, it has seen consistent year-on-year growth of circa 10% per annum and in 2021 had a turnover of £8.1 million.
Porthleven-based Origin Coffee is one of the leading and most progressive speciality coffee roasters in the UK. It has seven owned and operated locations in the UK and Cornwall and works with over 480 wholesale partners across the UK and Europe. In 2021, the 80-strong company reported a turnover of £7.8 million.
Commenting on the award, WWA senior partner, Andy Snapes, said: “Receiving this accolade is an incredible honour. It is the highest possible recognition of our team’s commitment to being a responsible business and celebrates the passion that is so intrinsic to our culture.
“We believe in using ‘business as a force for good’ and in considering the impact of our decisions on the wellbeing of our staff, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. We are proud to be a catalyst for real and lasting change in our industry.”
Landmark projects that contributed to the Queen’s Award for Enterprise recognition include The Wave in Bristol, the regeneration and transformation of The Box museum and gallery in Plymouth, affordable housing for local people at 300 Harrow Road, Westminster and the first major translocation of seagrass in the UK for Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth.
Origin Coffee, meanwhile, has developed a market-leading coffee buying programme which is underpinned by direct trade, ethical supply chains, provenance and traceability. In 2020, it was certified as a B Corporation demonstrating its deep-rooted commitment to building a sustainable business model and ‘doing business better’.
Founder Tom Sobey said: “It is with enormous pride that we have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for our commitment to sustainable development.
“When we talk about sustainability at Origin Coffee, we talk about it in terms of each and every aspect of business operations – nothing escapes scrutiny. Asking how we can do things better, for people and the planet, is ingrained in our thinking and seeing the impact of our actions and inspiring other businesses to follow in our footsteps is a fantastic reward. It is a huge privilege to receive this award and is to the credit of the whole team.”
